Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 16

Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Tell of his salvation from day to day.
1 Chronicles 16:23

David has returned the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. 

Since the time of the Judges, Israel wrestled with idolatry in various forms, both worshipping other gods but also worshipping God in wrong ways and wrong places. David sets out to fix all that, celebrating as he brings the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, where God has commanded it should rest. 

As a means of ceremony, David sings a song of a praise, very much like a Psalm. David celebrates that God has chosen Israel, provided for them, and covenanted to be their God. He feels that he, and the people over whom he reigns, are special, chosen, and beloved. And, indeed, they are!

In the United Methodist baptismal liturgy, we remember this moment from 1 Chronicles. The sacramental moment in the liturgy comes when the pastor gives thanks over the water. The congregation responds three times during this thanksgiving prayer. For the first response, the congregations says, “Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Tell of God’s mercy each day,” the same words David spoke when returning the Ark to Jerusalem. 

We say or sing these same words because we are also special, chosen, and beloved by God; a reality we mark and claim at baptism. 

Think
How has God shown you that you are special, chosen, and beloved? 

Pray
Sing or say your own song of praise to God for how God chose you. 

Do
Read the baptismal liturgy closely. Consider the meaning of the words, especially the Thanksgiving over the Water prayer. 

Think, Pray, Do. As we respond in faith to scripture, God moves in power through our minds, hearts, and bodies. We are the people of God. Thanks for reading today. Go in peace. Amen.

Think, Pray, Do devotionals by Ted Goshorn follow the suggested bible reading plan from his website and book, Prayer Changes Us. Find this Bible reading plan at tedgoshorn.org/biblereading. If you have found today’s devotion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for daily emails at tedgoshorn.org and share with others that we may think, pray, and do faithfully.